New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-02-06

Warrington Leti,r In he 81 LOuts 0iOcs DsmOeya.
In 1861 fitzhugh Lee. now Governor OF virginia,
was commanding the Confederate OUTPOST in Fsrtax
County, ns Colonel OF cavalry. Colonel Tannant who
was intimate friend and elassmate OF Lees Mt
West Point was in command OF tho Union cavalry
outpost ucar Alexandria. One day Tannapt received
orders TO tvsnco aud the Confederate position In
a rTn' and the City OF Washington.
called the Presidents Body Quart, was IA
signed him to make the advance He said to frien
before leaving
want soldiers with me on this expedition.
know Fitz Lee. have slept with him, and whenever
come tol etler somebody will have 10 90 some good
fighting or fast running | know fitz Will light ii |
had soldiers and not these drc-s- parade fellows,
would he delighted 10 give my friend brush, just to
lot hun how nicely we can whip him back into The
Union"
clean linen and bottle of old iIennessey brandy
When everything was ready Colonel Tannant took mp
the line march. along the Fairfax and Alexandria
turnpike, In tho direction OF Fairfax Court House
After the command had advanced u few miles and
como IN u halt 70 rest the Colonel addressed his men
In the following words;
Attention. bsttalion; I Am now speaking TO You
a soldiers who have enlisted tn detond your country
and not fellow citizens i want every man 20 do
his duty in the lime OF battle IA soldier should II
there are any you who are not willing to do this
step three plccs 70 the front"
No, man moved. They stood like wall Of granite
This give tho Colonel much encouragement
&" Now, my soldiers" said he, with this determine
ton on your part we will continue advance and
dryc the enemy bi'ck. capture the entire force"
Within Jew miles OF the Court House they en-
driving them back. his gave the command new
courage. On tbcy pushed But alas soon. Turner
A.hhy with biz Black Horse Cavalry. came charging
on their flank, while ttz Leo pressed them in front
The enlargement began 10 get interest NJ. whom sud
denly Pclhlm'- Horse ARTILLERY numbered on The cit
Hnnk and bccan 10 pour calling fire INTO Innnnnts
ranks Ic rode 10 the front. lradipg the charge
against Fiik Lee Tho other SIDE The men seeing
tlc s,tuution. became dcm1ralFcd und rctrcatcd IN
confusion. filing back 10 Alexandria. Inc Union
forces lost a few KILLED and Some risoncrs, Colonel
Iauuauts hcadlumtcr ambulance was captured,
with his ratiDus and baggage.
A few dlys after tie night, d11pi'atcd team
drove M ia his headquarters with tho letters
G. s. A." branded the skeleton mules and IN dim
white letter, on the side ot the iopicss ambulance a-o
appeared G. = A." and the driver instead OF wearing
Colonel Taunants tent with military salute bearing
la h.s hand The Colouci's yall.c.
Where did you come from ~ demanded the Colonel
I" came from Colonel thz Lees hrldquartcrs.'
was tho reply. Ilo s4yappcd teams and clothes
with me- ana told lac could como back and bring
your yallso and here It IA. Colonel
" All right, my man. said the Colonel. Go to your
quarters and change your UNIFORM, anu report Tor
duty"
Colonel TGnnant took tho yaliso over to his wifes
room and opentd IT, The contents OF the yglIse were
note which Ia tho following words:
Outpost Confederate Army. Nuglnia-My Dear
TanL -. have opened your Va.e. appropriated your
billed shirts for IA change, and also your bottle oil old
Iionncsscy for "A bad cold. traded ambulanoes md
team. also. \ hen you como out again bring more
cominissary aud quartornaster stores. Fitl.
Colonel lannant kept IN" note until the close 81 tho
war tcing no about it but hs iithiu and loving
wife. Tlnntut has been living in Ienncsso since no
war. Recently be aud Lee met, and tho bottle OIL Ola
ucuncsscy WAS dNCussod